Story of the Hermès Birkin Bag

Millions of people will know exactly what you're talking about when you utter the words "Birkin bag". How did the Birkin bag become so popular and recognizable? What is the story behind the bag's creation?

Hermes Birkin bags are among the most sought after items in the high-end fashion industry. Their iconic look and shape, the skins and leathers that they are made with, and the amount of time and skill that goes into crafting one, all combine to create a luxurious item that millions would love to get their hands on. Birkin bags take around 48 hours of continuous and precise craftsmanship to make. The colors and beautiful skins or leathers that they are made with really do create a beautiful and expensive look. Some Hermes Birkin bags can cost as low as $11,000, but many of the older and limited edition bags can reach six figures.

Who is Jane Birkin?

Jane Birkin is an English actress who was based in France during the majority of her career. She appeared in movies such as Blowup and Wonderwall and then moved towards the French industry, winning the lead female role in the 1969 film Slogan. She appeared in a variety of songs with Serge Gainsbourg and quickly rose to fame in the industry, even though she didn't speak fluent French. Jane was also a model and had a passion for luxurious and fashionable clothing.

Jane and the Hermes chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas met by chance in 1981. While getting ready to depart on an airplane, Jane was trying fit all of her carry-on items in the overhead compartment. She was carrying a straw bag that couldn't hold onto her belongings properly, and everything came down crashing onto her. Jane began to rant about how nicer bags were never big enough to carry belongings, and Mr. Dumas was suddenly inspired with a new idea. Dumas figured that Jane wasn't the only woman to encounter this problem, and he saw an opportunity to create something unique, fashionable and practical.

Dumas, motivated by Jane's and many other women's struggles, created a new and convenient design. The Hermes Birkin bag is a deep and sturdy bag with a rectangular design that is now recognizable all over the world. It is available in a wide variety of sizes including 25cm, 30cm, 35cm, 40cm, 50cm and shoulder style, giving versatility to users.

The bag quickly became a sensation. Jane is the namesake of the bag, and carried plenty of them during her life. She has recently auctioned off her namesake bags for charity, but they served her well and gave her a better sense of convenience while traveling and carrying belongings. Now Hermes Birkin bags are fawned over by millions of women all over the world, and they have become an undeniable symbol of wealth and luxury.